Table of Contents
Memes
Memes have played a key part in modern popular culture, largely due to the internet and social media. A meme can literally spread online and instantly become a viral and global sensation overnight.
Meme Definition & Meaning
A meme is essentially any media that represents an idea, behavior, or concept that is shared via online platforms, particularly social media.
The definition of meme continues to evolve even up to the present and memes now not only refer to images and witty taglines but can also include GIFs and viral videos.
What Is a Meme?
Memes can tackle anything of significance- from social commentary to celebrities to cultural movements. And since its main propagator is the internet, its potential is wide and far-reaching. Internet memes are heavily influenced by popular culture and trends; but some of the most popular ones often come in the form of jokes, parodies, and imitations.
10 Types of Memes
4th of July Meme
Memes can be used for any situation or occasion. Even on national holidays and cultural events, a meme has the power to capture a shared idea or thought. A lot of people can identify with this 4th of July meme, as it is surprisingly honest and true in so many ways.
50th Birthday Meme
Turning 50 years old is definitely a milestone in a person’s life. But just because you are half a century old does not mean you can’t have fun and enjoy what life still has to offer. Add a little lighthearted humor in your birthday greetings with this 50th birthday meme.
Back to School Meme
The global pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way people live and even learn. Thanks to the pandemic, online classes, and distance learning became the norm for two years. And now in a post-COVID world, going to face-to-face classes has some people still feeling a bit paranoid, as captured in this clever back to school meme.
Bastille Day Meme
Sharing a birthday with someone you know can conjure up bittersweet feelings. But having your birthday fall on a public holiday is cause for a double celebration. Like the Bastille Day meme example below, you have two reasons to party, and what could be better than that?
Birthday Cat Meme
You can count on the internet for your daily dose of cute pictures of pets and animals. Cats and dogs are some of the most popular animals and are common subjects in memes. Use this funny and adorable birthday cat meme when greeting friends and loved ones on their special day.
Father’s Day Meme
Father’s Day is a significant day in the month of June. Celebrated every third Sunday of June, families get together to honor their dads, grandfathers, and other father figures in their lives. Instead of a typical and ordinary greeting card, inject some humor in your messages and greetings with this funny Father’s Day meme.
Juneteenth Meme
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the US after the American Civil War. And even if Juneteenth is an important federal holiday in the United States, there are still a lot of people who remain unaware of its significance and meaning. In this case, the Juneteenth meme example below could not be more accurate for some people.
Labor Day Meme
It is ironic how some people have to work on Labor Day, a day that supposedly celebrates the contributions of workers and laborers. Yet for a variety of reasons, companies and business establishments require their employees to render work on Labor Day. The sad but true Labor Day meme below unfortunately depicts this scenario perfectly.
Pride Month Meme
June is widely recognized as Pride Month and for the LGBTQ community, it is a significant month. It is the time to openly express solidarity with your gay, lesbian, and transgender friends and family—whether it be on the streets or just on social media. And whether you are a member of the LGBTQ community or are simply an ally, show your support and solidarity with this colorful Pride Month meme.
Teachers Day Meme
Teachers’ Day is a day to celebrate educators around the world and to recognize their important work and contribution. Teachers are responsible for shaping future generations, leaders, and citizens. But ask any teacher and they’ll tell you that the job is anything but easy, as this Teachers Day meme accurately portrays.
Memes Uses, Purpose, and Importance
A meme can serve different purposes because it can be interpreted in a number of ways. But one thing is for sure, memes have become just another tool for communication in our digital world.
Means for Self-Expression
Anyone can create a meme from scratch; after all, it all starts with an idea. Often memes can even just be simple reactions or responses to significant or current events. They are viewed as a tool for self-expression, a way to immortalize one’s thoughts or feelings.
Impart Humor
A lot of funny conversations and hilarious moments can be credited to internet memes. Memes, especially witty and relatable ones, can instantly lighten the mood or even temporarily lift one’s spirits. Thus, the element of humor is a fundamental characteristic of an internet meme.
Capture an Emotion or Idea
Another important function of a meme is its potential to capture a particular emotion, idea, or even behavior. Whether it is a reaction to a phenomenon, global events, mainstream media (e.g., film), or even a celebrity’s personal life and choice of outfit, memes have a way of accurately pinpointing what a person is feeling or thinking. Then if another person feels the same way, they may identify with the meme and share it with their respective networks.
Vehicle for Communication
At its core, a meme can simply be considered another form of communication. But it is a form of communication adapted to the Digital Age and Information Revolution. The internet has made it easy for memes to spread not just within immediate circles and local communities, but on an international and global scale.
Helps Cultivate a Sense of Community
In many ways, memes can promote a sense of community through popular culture and social media. There is a sense of belonging—no matter how minuscule—in knowing that other people feel the same way or share your views and opinions. Online communities and social networks also offer a space for internet memes to flourish and spread.
What’s in a Meme? Parts?
Image
A basic meme should contain images or photos that reflect a specific idea, behavior, or feeling. Make sure to choose a high-quality image to ensure the optimal resolution.
Witty Text
The image in your meme should always be accompanied by a witty or clever line, catchphrase, slogan, or joke. The point is to capture an idea or sentiment in a light and humorous way.
Background
You can easily overlook the background in a meme but having the right background or backdrop can help your meme deliver more impact. It can be a simple or elaborate background, just make sure it does not overwhelm the image or main subject of the meme.
How to Design a Meme
1. Choose the right Meme Size
2. Identify the objective or context of the meme
3. Select an editable Meme Template
4. Add relevant images or graphics
5. Customize the text, color, and background of the meme
6. Add funny text to describe the image
Meme vs. Clip Art
A meme is any image or media that reflects or captures a concept and then is shared and spread through digital platforms and social networks.
A clip art is an image or symbol that can be integrated or added into different documents, designs, media, and presentations.
What’s the Difference between a Meme, an Illustration, and a Vector?
A meme is an image or video that is primarily used as a communication tool for social, cultural, and political commentary.
An illustration is a graphic interpretation or visual representation of a text, concept, or idea.
A vector is a type of computer graphic art where images or graphics are created out of geometric shapes such as lines and curves.
Meme Sizes
Memes can come in all shapes and sizes, the right size would obviously depend on the user’s individual preferences and needs. However, there are standard meme sizes that are the most common and widely used on the internet.
- Square Meme (700 px × 700 px)
- Landscape Meme (700 px × 550 px)
- Portrait Meme (450 px × 700 px)
Memes Ideas & Examples
The best thing about creating a meme is that there is no limit to what you can think of. As long as it captures what you are thinking or feeling, you can get creative and imaginative! Whether it is a national holiday, the latest craze, or a cultural phenomenon, you can get started by browsing some meme ideas and examples for all occasions!
- Back to School Meme Ideas and Examples
- 60th Birthday for Women Meme Ideas and Examples
- Animated Bastille Day Meme Ideas and Examples
- Teachers Day Meme Ideas and Examples
- Cinco de Mayo Meme Ideas and Examples
- Ramadan Meme Ideas and Examples
- 21st Birthday Meme Ideas and Examples
- Memorial Day Meme Ideas and Examples
- Father’s Day Meme Ideas and Examples
FAQs
What is the full meaning of a meme?
The word meme comes from the Greek term “mimema” which translates to ‘imitated’ or ‘imitation’; cultural and social information is then imitated or shared primarily via online platforms.
What is an example of a meme?
Popular examples of memes include the Success Kid, Grumpy Cat, and Scumbag Steve.
What is the best meme?
Arguably the most popular and recognized meme is the Success Kid; the image has been used in countless memes and has generated millions of online shares.
How do I find a meme?
You can find memes essentially on any social media platform or network such as Tumblr, Facebook, Reddit, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
Why is it called a meme?
Meme means ‘imitated’ in Greek and it was Richard Dawkins who first introduced the word in 1976 with the publication of his book “The Selfish Gene”.
How do I create a meme?
To create a basic meme, all you need is a relevant image or picture with funny, clever, and relatable text to describe or give context to the image.
What is the meaning of GIF?
GIF means graphics interchange format which is a type of digital file format.
Who is the famous meme kid?
The famous meme kid dubbed as the Success Kid is Gavin, whose picture became a viral sensation because of his clenched fist and funny facial expression.
What age is a meme appropriate for?
Because of the nature of some cultural and popular culture references, the safe and appropriate age for memes is 17 years old and older while younger children may still need parental guidance.
What makes a good meme?
A good meme is witty, amusing, and tasteful and it also resonates with a wide and broad audience.
How can I make my own meme for free?
The easiest and fastest way to create a meme for free is to use a ready-made editable template.
How do I turn a picture into a meme?
To turn a picture into a meme, simply insert text on an image, GIF, screenshot, or even video clip.
What software is used to make memes?
There are a number of different software used to generate memes; these include Memedroid, Simple Meme Generator, Mematic, and Meme Factory.
What is a meme generator?
A meme generator enables users to make, customize, and share their own memes by using pictures or graphics that are superimposed with text.
What is a GIF versus a meme?
A GIF is an animated image or a short video clip sometimes containing text; while a meme is usually a still image with superimposed text.
What is the point of a meme?
A meme is a form of self-expression within the broader context of social and cultural ideas or concepts.
Why are memes so popular?
Memes are popular with people and in online communities because they capture a collective sentiment, idea, or thought which makes it relatable.
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